a. Poetry; miscellaneous Briggs and Stabler letters and business papers; Brooke land grant in Maryland, letters between Edward Stabler to English relations, 1753-1763; shorthand of letters to Sarah Briggs; Bills; Receipts and Promissary notes.

l. James P. Stabler and the Wilmington and Susquehanna Railroad, letters and bills, 1835-1837.

The collection of manuscripts referred to as the Baltimore and Ohio manuscripts have a little to do with that railroad at a period beginning probably in 1830 and ending prior to 1836, the evidence being indefinite. Mr. James P. Stabler was the Superintendent of Construction of the Baltimore and Ohio road. In 1836 he was employed as engineer of the Wilmington and Susquehanna Railroad, with head office at Wilmington, Del. In 1838 he had returned to his home in Sandy Springs, Montgomery County, Md., where he died in 1840, aged forty-three.

In 1828-29 Stabler had taken a long trip through Virginia and North and South Carolina, apparently attempting to collect subscriptions for some purpose which does not appear. He wrote letters to his brother Frank, describing the journey, of which there is a letter press copybook, which is most interesting, giving the details of the journey with much detail and of the social life of the people with whom he was thrown. These copies would make material for an interesting book of the South of those days.

It appears that prior to that Stabler had carried on a small business in watch repairing for a short time, but nothing earlier than that appears in regard to his activities.

Stabler appears to have been a nephew of Mrs. Hannah Brooke Briggs, the wife of Isaac Briggs, who appears to have lived at Sandy Spring during the latter part of his life and the chief interest in the collection is to be found in the records of the activities of Isaac Briggs, who was born in 1763 and died in 1825.

One Moore, who became the State Engineer of Virginia from 1818 to 1822, was brother-in-law of Isaac Briggs and the interests of the two men seem to have run together in regard to surveying, manufacturing, water power, canals and other engineering projects. Moore seems to have been the better equipped engineer at the outset and material of his is found in Briggs' note-books.

In 1803 Briggs was appointed Surveyor General of the Mississippi territory, or, as by another description, of the Southwest District, and in 1804 he traveled through Georgia and the lands of the Creek Nation, exploring for a road to New Orleans, probably in connection with Jefferson's proposed purchase of Louisiana. He arrived at New Orleans, where there is record of his return of an army tent to the military authorities in 1804. There is also the copy of the letter from Briggs to President Jefferson in regard to his trip, and saying that his formal report to the President will follow soon. There is also the copy of the letter from Jefferson to Briggs, in which he stated that he has submitted the report to Congress. That seems to close Briggs' connection with southwestern development.

In 1817 Briggs appears to have been requested to interest himself in the proposed Erie Canal, and in that year he made a trip to New York, where he saw Gov. Clinton in considerable intimacy, and later, at Clinton's suggestion, went with him to a meeting of the Canal Commissioners at Utica, where Briggs was appointed Civil Engineer

in charge of the Canal. This probably meant that he was to be in charge of some section of the proposed work, rather than the whole of it, but so far as any further records appear of his connection with the canal, it seems to have terminated almost with his employment, and his name does not appear in several books relating to the history of the Canal which have been referred to.

There is a record of an address made by Briggs in 1817 before the Oneida Society for the Promotion of American Manufactures, published at Utica in 1817, but that seems to have been the last of him in New York State.

It appears that he then became interested in the survey and preliminary work for the Richmond Canal in Virginia. This was in 1822. It would appear that he could not have done much work on that job, because in 1823 he is engaged on a survey for a proposed canal from Baltimore to the Potomac, to connect with the existing canal at Cumberland. Again, there are no records of his activities in this connection, and he died in 1825.

The Briggs' diary of his visits to New York, Albany and Utica make a very interesting narrative, and might well be the subject of special presentation.

It is to be noted also that in 1820 he visited Jefferson at Monticello and was taken to the University of Virginia by him. Briggs also quotes long conversations with Jefferson in regard to slavery and national affairs. Both Briggs and Stabler were [UNK], and their whole connection, the Brooke, Moore, [UNK] and Rentley families, living at or near Sandy Spring in Maryland were of the [UNK] faith.

It seems as if the engineering activities of the men probably began with Moore, handed on by him to Isaac Briggs, his brother-in-law, and then by Briggs to his nephaw, James P. Stabler. There was another family, that of Thomas, connected with the same group and a Thomas became the President of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad during the period in which James P. Stabler was in the employ of the Railroad, so it may be that this added to the family connection with the road,

Supplementary Notes in Regard to Folders Containing Letters Written by and to Isaac Briggs from Members of his Family and Personal Friends.

These letters may be said to begin in 1793 concerning the settlement of the family at Sandy Springs, Md. In that year Isaac Briggs was thirty years old, had married Hannah Brooke, and they were about to have their first child. In the early letters there are a good many references to lands belonging, or which had belonged to him in Georgia, and in a later letter there is a reference by Isaac Briggs to the effect that he had resided in Georgia just before this time. There is considerable reference to these Georgia lands up to about 1803, and then chief interest in them is postponed until the letters of Isaac Briggs, Jr., written in the period 1844-47, which are concerned entirely with Georgia affairs.

The correspondence of the Briggs connection is extensive through the whole collection of letters, They are intimate and personal, filled with domestic news, religious considerations, occasional verses by Isaac Briggs and members of his family, and references to all manner of persons and places, but the high points in regard to Isaac Briggs himself to be gathered from his own letters, of which he kept copies, may be said to be his engagement as surveyor general of the Mississippi territory in 1803, which took him on a journey through the Creek Nation in Georgia, and to the Louisiana territory, where he made his headquarters at a place called Washington, on the Mississippi, near Natchez. He remained in that office for a considerable time, directed surveys in the vicinity of the Mississippi as high as the mouth of the Arkansaw River, and then suddenly appears to have left his position, leaving personal possessions and his two horses behind him and eventually returning to his home in Maryland. He appears to have been very homesick, and there were constant reproaches between husband and wife for their failure to write frequently but there is no other cause for his sudden departure which one can deduce from the correspondence.

His letters during this whole period are extremely interesting, touching as they do on the wilderness, the Creek Nation and the social and political life in Louisiana and New Orleans.

After his return, in 1804, he appears to have been requested to represent manufacturing interests before Congress at Washington. His letters written from Washington during this period are also of interest in their references to public persons. He was on familiar terms with Thomas Jefferson, who was then President, who [UNK] was attracted to him by his scientific attainments.

At the time of this Washington stay, Briggs also presented a petition to Congress for what appears to have been further compensation for his services in the Mississippi territory, but the correspondence does not show whether it was ever acted upon favorably or not.

During this period, his brother Sam Briggs had invented a steam engine in which Isaac Briggs became interested.

In 1809 Isaac Briggs and two relatives formed a company for manufacturing cotton at a place they christened Triadelphia in Maryland, but it does not appear that it was a successful enterprise.

Samuel Briggs appears to have been rather a drifter and a drinker, and as one followe him along through the correspondence he appears to have been occupied with a steam saw mill in various places, but does not seem to have succeeded in his enterprise.

Following Isaac Briggs along, it appears that he moved to Wilmington, Delaware, where he lived for about two years, but it does not appear what occupation he was engaged in. In 1817 he was invited to go to New York in regard to being engaged on the prospective construction of the Erie Canal. His letters in regard to his connection with this work extend from 1817 until January 1819. The suggestion in the earlier notes that his employment terminated almost with his engagement is incorrect, and his letters show the continuation of his work from Utica surveying eastward until the winter stopped all field work.

The whole of Briggs' letters in this connection makes an interesting narrative, but it is incomplete in failing to disclose why his employment again ceased. In a later letter he states that he resigned his position. Soon after this he became interested in internal improvements in Virginia and went to Richmond in March, 1819. Then he appears to have been engaged on a survey for a canal, which would be undertaken from a James River Canal and carried on across the Alleghanies to connect with the navigation of the Ohio River. In January, 1820, In January, 1820, it appears that Briggs had finished up his report as to the Ohio end of the route, but he does not say what happened to it in the hands of the Legislature. It looks as if their report was unfavorable.

In May, 1820, Briggs is at Richmond and is shortly engaged on the survey of the routing of a canal for the James River companies. In connection with his work as surveyor, he entered into partnerships for the construction of sections of the canal, and was away from home at Sandy Springs for many months on this work, except for rare visits to his wife and family. During all the period through which he was absent from home so much he is full of reproaches to his wife and his children for their failure to write to him more often. His work on the James River Canal appears to have affected his health, of which he writes very frequently.

On July 9, 1822, he was urged by Governor Randolph of Virginia to go to Monticello, where Jefferson was still living, for the benefit of his health. The visit never took place.

In October, 1822, his senior associate, Moore, died and Briggs expected to be appointed to his position. In December, 1822, appears a recommendation of the members of the Potomac Commission to the Governor of Virginia in support of him, but on April 15, 1823, Briggs writes that a French engineer has been appointed to the position and he is so disgusted with Richmond that he desires to leave it as soon as possible.

In the meantime the Briggs and Gamble contract was dragging along, making it impossible for him to obtain the payment of what he is assured will be a profit on the work. His health became bad but he continued to work on his reports to the Potomac Commission and Board of Public Works and was assisting members of the Virginia Legislature on a Bill for further Canal work.

It does not appear whether his expectations of a profit on his work in Virginia was realized, and after the letter of April 15th there are no further letters from Isaac Briggs in the collection. Letters to him addressed to Fredericktown and Baltimore suggest that he was here for a short time, engaged on an intended Maryland canal which the Legislature of Maryland had resolved to build from Baltimore to Cumberland, to connect with another canal to Georgetown.

In March, 1824, there is a letter to him from his friend Gamble in Richmond, informing him that there is an opportunity for engineering work in Georgia, which suggests that he was out of occupation at that time.

In December, 1824, Isaac Briggs appears to have been at home at Sandy Springs, in very much impaired health, and early in January, 1825, he died, leaving a very small estate, his widow, Hannah Brooke, his son, Isaac Briggs, Jr., and his daughters, one of whom appears to have been married to James P. Stabler, one to a Mr. Bond and one to Bentley. [UNK] daughter and her husband migrated to New Lisbon, Ohio, and settled there and letters from her make an interesting part of the collection of correspondence, following on from the death of her father, Isaac Briggs.

By R.D. Ware

April 15, 1930

Supplementary notes in regard to Folders containing Letters by and to James P. Stabler from members of his Family and Personal Friends.

This series of the correspondence in the Stabler collection may be said to begin immediately after the death of Isaac Briggs in 1825. Let it be said now, which seems to have been omitted, that the Briggs-Stabler families, their relatives and friends were all Quakers, addressing each other as dear brother, dear sister, or dear friend, making the identification of relationship difficult and the degree of relationship confusing and uncertain.

In the first notes in regard to the Stabler collection it is suggested that Stabler appears to have been a nephew of Mrs. Isaac Briggs, but examination of the correspondence leaves one less certain of that. At all events, James P. Stabler became a son-in-law of Mrs. Isaac Briggs, through marrying her daughter, Sarah Briggs in February, 1830. It appears that Stabler had become a widower at that time and had a son, Pleasants Stabler by his first marriage.

In the earlier memoranda in regard to the collection, it is suggested that James P. Stabler had carried on a small business in watch repairing for a short time, but that is not the fact. Watch repairing was the occupation of the youngest son of Isaac Briggs, as he grew old enough to undertake it.

There is a suggestion in the correspondence that Stabler had been employed as assistant engineer by Isaac Briggs on one of his surveys. Whether Stabler lived at Sandy Springs at that time or not, is not clear, but in 1827 he was living there and tells of being shot in his right eye while bird shotting, with considerable injury to it. It appears to have affected his health substantially, and in June, 1827, he took an ocean trip to England at the invitation of friends for the benefit of his health. By October 15 he had returned to Sandy Springs, where he was postmaster. It seems to have been difficult for him to find occupation and he undertook a long trip through the South selling mapsm which has been referred to, and which led to his interesting series of letters in regard to it.

On his return, one finds Stabler engaged in September, 1829, at work as assistant engineer on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad at Ellicott Mills. A cousin was President of the road and it seems to have been the practice for all the family connection to benefit the members of the family whenever they had opportunity. Subsequently he was appointed Chief of Construction of the B. and O., which position he appears to have filled until December 31, 1836. The reason for his getting through does not appear in connection with his leaving, but there is later suggestion that work which he had not undertaken to perform,- that of contracting for labor and materials, and the disbursement of money on behalf of the road, was thrust upon him to considerable extent, with no increase of salary.

Then it appears that he went to work for the Delaware and Maryland Railroad, with headquarters at Elkton, Md., for a short time, and then was engaged by the Wilmington and Susquehanna Railroad, with headquarters at Wilmington, Del., as Chief of Construction. There appears to have been discontent for some reason, with his employment and the terms of it here, as with the conditions on the Baltimore and Ohio, but after a seeming adjustment of all difficulties, Stabler was discharged and he returned to the Sharon property at Sandy Springs with his wife and either one or two children, which had been born to him. During a good deal of this time Stabler's health had become increasingly bad. His finances were low and he did what he could to earn a living for himself and family.

Finally he became interested in silk culture, with the raising of mulberry trees and the feeding of silk worms on them.

He also had become greatly interested in a new medical cult, spoken of as Thompsonism, a botanic system, which seems to have had a strong hold on the Briggs-Stabler family connection and generally throughout their part of the country.

He became weaker as time went on and eventually dies at Sandy Springs on February 13, 1840, leaving his wife and family almost destitute and in debt for the expense of the attempt to establish himself in silk culture.

During the period between the death of Isaac Briggs and the death of James P. Stabler, Anna Briggs, who had married a Bentley, had moved to New Lisbon, Ohio and wrote many letters to her mother and family, describing her life among the early settlers in Ohio. These letters taken together would make an interesting narrative of the development of that part of the country.

Isaac Briggs, Jr., was also growing up during this period, and first left Sandy Springs to work on Canal and Railroad jobs in [UNK]. Later he returned to Sandy Springs but seemed unable to find occupation and was constantly wandering from one place to another. Finally he became a doctor of medicine in the practice of Thompsonism.

By 1843 his lack of success in his undertaking, and interest aroused in the Georgia lands which hs father had acquired back in 1793 or earlier, had led him to go to Georgia to undertake to recover the land or make settlement in regard to it. He went there as a practicing doctor of Thompsonism and by 1844 had established himself in Athens, Ga. The narrative of Isaac Briggs, the younger, would make a separate treatise by itself. So for the time he may be left as a resident of Athens.

During this same period. Pleasants Stabler, the son of James P. Stabler by his first marriage, was coming to manhood.

He also appears to have found great difficulty in establishing himself in an occupation in Richmond or in Baltimore or in New Orleans, where he went in the winter of 1843, pimarily for his health, but also to find occupation. In this he was unsuccessful and is next heard of in Tennessee, apparently in connection with iron mining. His undertakings rouse interest along with those of Isaac Briggs the younger more than do the allusions to the innumerable cousins who make up the younger generation, to the overwhelming confusion of mind of a reader of the correspondence as a whole.

The material which James P. Stabler seems to have taken away with him when he left the employ of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad is so indefinite as to locality, and also incomplete and fragmentary both in itself and as to the B. and O.R.R. as a whole, that it is difficult to see how it can be of any material value in a consideration of the B. and O.R.R. and its development. The letters themselves put so many on the stage that it is impossible to follow them all on their paths. It seems as if the value of the personal correspondence is limited to a consideration of the life of Isaac Briggs, the career of James P. Stabler and as much of the lives of Isaac Briggs the younger, Anna Briggs Bentley and her family in Ohio, and Pleasants Stabler as the correspondence covers.

The references to the Wilmington and Susquehanna Railroad are as unsatisfactory and fragmentary for material, useful purposes as is the material in the James P. Stabler files concerning the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.

Further notes in Regard to Folders Containing Letters by and to Members of the Briggs-Stabler Family and Personal Friends.

The two figures who stand out the most in the rest of the series of letters are Isaac Briggs, whom we left in Athens, Ga., and his sister, Anna Bentley, who had moved to Ohio, and their letters show something of their lives and the conditions of their environment. The other letters are so personal and would require so definite a knowledge of intimate family affairs that the impression one gets from them is constant rehearsal of financial distress, constant illness, many visits, deaths, marriages and births, and intimate household details.

There is a series of letters from Isaac Briggs, written from Georgia, from which his failure to derive any benefit from the Georgia land claims [UNK] [UNK] is interesting as showing something of the social and political conditions in Georgia during the period in which they were written, 1843-47. One gathers from the whole correspondence that nothing ever came from the claims in regard to the Georgia land, which his father, Isaac Briggs, had taken up about 1793. They appear to have been sold for taxes, certain sales apparently fraudulently made, and there are portions of the land adversely occupied by squatters.

Isaac Briggs appears to have wandered about as a doctor of Thompsonism for a number of years, through the South, and then, after a stay with the family at Sharon, finally landed in Philadelphia in the employ of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. The last reference to him is in a letter written in 1889, referring to Uncle Isaac as still living at Sharon. No record of his death appears in the correspondence. His life appears to have been of poverty, hardship and frequent disability, and yet his letters are almost invariably written in cheerfulness and without complaint.

Anna Bentley's letters become less interesting in regard to her Ohio life as it became less difficult, with changing social conditions. The last reference to her shows that she was still living in 1884.

Pleasants Stabler is last heard of in 1847 in Baltimore, with the B. and O. R.R., and in poor health.

During the decade beginning 1840 there are a few references to the Mexican War, and a few also to slavery. In the next decade there are more references to slavery and allusions to poor John Brown. In 1861 the query appears in a letter is it possible that there will be bloodshed? And there are references to the mob in Baltimore when the 6th Massachusetts Regiment passed through on its way to Washington. Except for one letter written in 1863, there is no correspondence during the active period of the war,

1862-63-64. In 1865 there are references to the death of Lincoln, the capture of Jeff Davis and an interesting letter giving an account of a trip by Wilmington friends to Richmond and the fortification at Petersburg. That is about the end of any information concerning other than affairs at Sandy Springs, and at the homes of the other correspondents in their letters to the surviving members of the Briggs-Stabler family living there.

The correspondence after 1889 shows little of particular interest, except the growth and spread of the family connections and the improved health and prosperity of the younger generation. With the going out of the old manner of sending letters and the coming in of postage stamps and envelopes, it became more difficult to know the origin of many of the letters, and as many of them are signed by initials, to know who the writers were, and the correspondence after 1889 becomes more indefinite and confusing.

In 1910 the old homestead, Sharon, at [UNK] Springs, was sold at auction by order of James P. Stabler and Harold B. Stabler, from which one may conjecture that their mother, Sarah P. Stabler, had died at about that time, but there are no references to her death in the correspondence. There are several wide breaks in its continuity during this period.

The last date of any letter in the collection is in 1920. As a whole, the picture to be derived from the correspondence is one of constant struggle, illness and want of money for the immediate descendants of Isaac Briggs the elder and his son-in-law, James P. Stabler. Both were men of education and attainment but good fortune did not seem to attend their best endeavors, though in their family connections were persons of wealth with whom they appear to have been on a basis of entire social equality. The whole family connection was fervent in its faith in the Quaker doctrine. The younger generation appears to have wandered away somewhat, perhaps from the time when Quaker youths were reported as drilling in 1861 in Philadelphia.

The correspondence as a whole may be said to be the record of the growth of an American family in its relation to the social life of the country, but it does not appear that there are any conclusions to be drawn from this personal correspondence which would be of any material value in business considerations, either historically or for present benefit.

By R. D. Ware

April 24, 1930.

BRIGGS-STABLER COLLECTION

MS. 147

Calendar of material

Index to Personal Letters of the Briggs and Stabler Families 1770-1920

This partial index has been arranged with a separate sheet for each folder of letters in the collection, with the exception of two folders of undated letters and one folder of poems, which have been placed at the end of the collection and have not been indexed. Only the most interesting and significant of the letters have been noted, with the date of each, by which they may be easily located, as this whole collection has been arranged chronologically.

Inadequate as this index is, we are sending it on to you thinking that it may serve as the basis for future study of the collection.

Isaac Briggs writes from Monticello, having visited Madison. He had returned from Miss. Ter. after Dec. 27, 1903 and before Mar. 24, but speaks of a speedy return to New Orleans.

1804 Aug. 17

On journey, Isaac Briggs writes of Moravians in North Carolina. Next letters describe journey through Georgia and to New Orleans.

1804 Nov. 26

Arrived at New Orleans. Jos. Briggs dead of yellow fever. Isaac Briggs also very sick with it later.

1805 Feb. 22

Issac Briggs writes of travel in Georgia, having returned to Washington, M.T.; a hurricane; lost in forest; Indians.

1805 Mar. 16 Apr. 5

I. B. writes further of his travel among the Creek Indians.

I. B. writes further of his travel among the Creek Indians. Mobile now in possession of the Spaniards. Arrived in New Orleans on the 23rd Feb?

1805 July 7

Isaac Briggs Surveyor General of New Orleans Territory, as well as Miss. Terr.

July 22

I. B. locus of Washington, Miss. Terr.

1805 Aug. 10

Isaac Briggs writes of possible return to Maryland, preparatory to taking a position at New Orleans for a year or more with good salary.

1805 Nov. 25

Mrs. Briggs declines to move to New Orleans.

The letters giving a diary of travel in Georgia would make an interesting pamphlet.

1806-1816

1806 Feb. 24

Isaac Briggs writes to his wife he has written twice as often as she has. Tells of a trip up the Mississippi from Washington, M.T. in six car barge. Then to mouth of Arkansaw River. Builds a log cabin for base. An account of the survey made.

1806

I. B. is homesick and wants his wife and children through the period.

1806.Sept.16

I. B. speaks of steam mill near Natchez he is interested in. Intends to resign his position.

1806 May 20

I. B has left Mississipppi Territory.

1807 June 29

I. B. speaks of intended coast survey Atlantic.

1807 Aug.30

Kerr to Isaac Briggs. Appears to refer to Aaron Burr trial.

1807 Nov. 3

An incomplete letter to I. B. from Governor of Mississippi Territory, as to plot to supplant him. Political and military affairs.

1808. June 9

Your brother has given it up (the saw mill) entirely. (See Sept.16,1806) (Oct.17,1808).

1808 June 24

I.B.writes of Cotton manufacturing and machinery for an oil press for flax-seed oil and cotton presses in New Orleans.

1809 Mar.24

Sam. Briggs to Isaac from Baton Rouge, West Florida, as to a new engine and saw mill.

1809.Sept.12

Sam. Briggs disappeared. His wanderings caused by drinking.

1811 et seq.

Observations of a comet by Seth Peak to Isaac Briggs.

1811 June 11

On vine cultivation.

1812 Aug. 1

I.B. is addressed at Triadelphia, Md. (There were three brethren incorporators)

1815 Apr.12

I.B. in Wilmington looking for work.

1815 Dec.23

To I.B. in regard to woolen mfg.wages, etc. in different localities. Du Pont of Del. spoken of.

1815 Dec 15

I.B. as to trip to Washington by stage. Fares given; fire in a cotton factory; dined with the President; Dolly (Madison) referred to.

1816 Jan. 7

I.B. relates of stay in Washington. Interesting letter. His family appears to be living in Wilmington at this time.

1816 Jan. 7

I.B. writes of Congressional hearings by the Com. on Commerce and Manufacture.

Jan.30

I.B. writes of further events in Washington, as do the rest of letters in this folder.

1816 Dec. 19

I.B. writes to John [UNK]. Calhoun about the importance of manufacturing for the U.S., internal improvement programs, and the evils

1817

Isaac Briggs

This folder contains letters concerning his connection with the Erie Canal, and journeys to New York, and Albany and Utica. Very interesting.

1817 Jan. 17.

As to Harper land claims in Maryland.

1817 May 9

Isaac Briggs to Thomas Jefferson, as to being approached for Erie Canal. (This is in the letter book of Isaac Briggs). Erie Canal letters continue from this date.

1817 Oct.14

Isaac Briggs Resident Engineer from Utica to Rome. Family now at Sharon, near Sandy Springs, Md. These Erie letters add much to the description in the letter book referred to.

1817 Oct.25

Isaac Briggs at Utica. Writes details of Canal.

1818

Isaac Briggs

(Erie Canal business)

1818 Feb. 21

Isaac Briggs on trip to Albany from Washington refers to bill for his relief (as to claim for compensation when in Miss. Terr.) and to Aaron Burr, who traveled with him.

1818.Apr. 7

I. B. at New York. Trip on steam boat on Hudson.

1818 Apr.18

I. B. at Albany. Expects to go on Canal at Utica and work towards Albany.

1818 May 12

I. B. at Utica. Writes of place of residence, use of funds for the Triadelphia adventure and family finances. Recites residence at [UNK] 1815-1817, and all the furniture sold and debts paid. Had been in poor financial condition which the Erie job helped.

1818 May 23

Wife states household debts and payments in 1816-1817.

1818 May 30

Family at Sharon, Sandy Springs, returned. I.B. says shortly after I ceased to reside in Gg.,perhaps in 1793 or 1794. That must have been when he got his Georgia land (See Isaac Briggs, Jr.letters 1844-1847) Tells how it had been sold for taxes and alleges fraud.

1818 July 18.

I. B. at Herkimer, N.Y. on Canal. James P. Stabler is with him.

1818 Aug.14

Briggs family taking in sewing at Sharon.

1818 Aug.22

I. B. at Little Falls. Writes of Gen.Herkimer and battle of Oriskany.

1818 Nov. 5

I.B.at St.Johnsville surveying location of Canal.

1818 Nov.26

I.B. forty-two miles from Utica. Quotes a notice in high praise of himself.

1818 Dec.22

Wm. Darby, New York City, speaks of magazine the Columbian, containing articles on the Canal.

1819

Isaac Briggs and Family

1819 -

(Virginia canals)

1819 Jan.20.

Isaac Briggs at Albany. Tells of end of field work and of work in making his report. Also of opening of Legislature at Albany. Is hoping to return home and pay all debts.

1819 Mar.30

Isaac Briggs at Richmond Va. Recites how he had left family on Mar.24 for Baltimore steamer to Norfolk, and speaks of hearing of a James River Canal on the boat in regard to which I. B. was going to Richmond. (Nothing has appeared as to why I. B. got through on the Erie Canal). But I. B. considers himself free for the Virginia work.

1819 Apr.12

I. B. appointed Engineer, with Thomas Moore.

1819 July 11

I.B.on survey on New River. Tells of conditions he is in, wild country, near Charleston, now West Virginia.

1819 Sept.9

I. B. at Pattonsburg, Va. Speaks of coal mine and salt works on the Kenawha River, which he has surveyed to the Ohio River. A grand poem about the river by I.B.in this.

1819 Dec.16

I. B. has been home and returned to Richmond in interval. Is about to make a report to the Virginia Legislature.

1820

(Virginia Canals)

1820 Jan. 25

Isaac Briggs has finished report and expects to come home soon from Richmond.

1820 Feb. 7

I. B. reports to Gov. Randolph as to locating points and new surveying instruments.

1820 May 5

I. B. at Richmond. Expects to work on James River.

(Nothing more about his report on the earlier Western survey).

1820 June 6.

I. B. writes about agricultural adventures at his home from Richmond. Many experiments.

1820 June 27

I. B. on James River survey. Made sick.

1820 July 4

I. B. at Richmond on a report of surveys to the James River Company.

1820 Oct.11

As to some contract I.B.appears to be in for construction.

1820. Nov.7

I. B. at Richmond. Tells of recent travels. Washington and to see Madison and Jefferson.

1820. Nov.21.

As to visit with Thomas Jefferson. (Very interesting)

1820 Dec.19

I. B. at Richmond.

(Constant reproaches from I.B.to family, for not writing to him more frequently).

1821

Isaac Briggs and Family.

1821 May.9

Isaac Briggs at Richmond writes of farming at Sharon with sketch.

1821 Apr.3

Isaac Briggs at Richmond writes our progress on the canal is very encouraging.

1821 Apr.9

Richmond, Partner with John G.Gamble on canal.

1821 May 1

Isaac Briggs engineering for James River Company and his own contract.

May 6

Isaac Briggs writes of his contract as progressing well.

1821 July 17

Isaac Briggs has been at home in the interval. On return to Richmond is not well constantly.

1821 Aug 4

Isaac Briggs writes contract is 9/10ths done.

1821 Aug 17

I. B. expects $5000 apiece for self and partner.

1821 Oct.10

I. B. writes partner has been ill and he has to do everything.

1821 Dec.14

Isaac Briggs in Richmond.

1822

1822 Jan.1

Isaac Briggs at Sandy Springs, at home.

1822 Jan.13

The firm of Briggs and Gamble almost laid on its beam ends. Refers to profit made on contract.

1822 Jan.28

As to origin of Virginia funds for Public Works.

1822 Feb.15

Figures on issue of stock for same by Isaac Briggs.

1822 Apr.7

I.B. went through the Canal; through the Dismal Swamp, then to Richmond.

1822 Apr.9

I. B. has a new partner, Parsons, at Richmond.

1822 Apr.17

William Rotch of New Bedford writes on Quaker beliefs.

1822 May 5

I.B. writes on Quaker affairs (see Apr 17)

1822 May 28

I.B. writes of a Quaker meeting in Virginia.

1822 June 18.

I.B. decidedly ill, but better. Must stay on the Parsons-Briggs contract with the James River Canal Co.

1822 July 9

I.B. is to visit at Monticello for his health; invitation of Gov. Randolph. Then to Sharon. Thomas Jefferson still living (did not go)

1822 Oct.10

I.B. writes of death of Moore and his expectation to appointed in his position.

1822 Dec.19

Recommendation of I.B. to Governor of Virginia from the Potomac Commissioners.

(Isaac Briggs constantly complaining that his family neglects him in letters, but writes few himself. He appears to be a good deal of an egoist, but constantly protesting against the sin of vanity.)

I.B. in want of money (as usual) but sees a profit asassured in the B. and G. contract. Health bad. Worrying on reports to Potomac Commissioners and Board of Public Works.

1823 Jan.28

I.B. writes of a claim against him of $500, from his New Orleans period. (See 1823 Feb.9 for statement).

1823 Feb.11

I.B. requested to assist Virginia Legislature on a bill for further Canal work. A report with this.

1823 Apr. 8

I.B. ready for a settlement for his contract work done. Speaks of a rival Civil Engineer, Mr. R?

1823 Apr.15

I.B. disgusted with Richmond. A French engineer has been elected Chief Engineer.

1823 July 11

I.B. at Frederick Town. Isaac Briggs, Jr., declines position his father offers him, and has decided to learn surveying.

1823. Dec. 6

I.B. at Baltimore. Writes of intended marriage of daughter Deborah to James Bond of Waterford.

1824 Mar. 8

John Gamble writes from Richmond to I.B. of possible engineering job in Georgia. (I.B. appears to have been away from home for some time; where does not appear). James P. Stabler has been Postmaster at Sandy Springs for some time.

1824 Dec.18

To I. B. not very well at home. Speaks of a cooking stove for charcoal.

Nothing written by Isaac Briggs after Apr.15,1823, and there is little to be gathered about him from other letters. His health was not good and though away much, as letters to Sandy Springs were to his wife, it does not appear what he was doing. Other records show he was probably on the Maryland Canal work some part of the time. (As on July 11, 1823).

1825-1826.

Isaac Briggs died prior to Jan. 14, 1825, and his record ceased in last folder, 1823-1824. The letters in this one are personal and intimate.

1825 Nov.11

is notice of Administration and an obituary of Isaac Briggs by James P. Stabler.

1826 May 5

A letter from New Lisbon, Ohio from Anna - Anna Bentley, telling of migration and settlement there. Speaks of visiting Benjamin Hanna, well settled at Lisbon. (Mark Hanna's ancestor?) There is a series of similar letters, difficult penmanship, which would tell of conditions at the time. They are dated The Cabin.

1826 Nov.11

New house built.

The Bringhurst family of Wilmington, Del., appears in this folder as friends of the Sandy Springs people, probably dating from Isaac Briggs two years in Wilimngton prior to 1817.

STABLER FAMILY LETTERS

1827-1828

* 1827 Jan.26

James P.Stabler: a long interesting letter from him to Bringhurst. Tells of being shot in right eye while quail shooting, with severe injury to it and writes of probably climatic changes.

1827 Jan.18

J.P.S. to Isaac Briggs, who is in New Lisbon, Ohio. It is signed Thy affectionate son J.P.S. and addressed Dear Cousin I.B.

1827 May 7

A letter referring to J.P.S. accepting a passage to Liverpool from New York for his health.

1827 May 30

Anna Bentley from Columbiana, Ohio, to hermother, mailed at New Lisbon. Prices of wool and flax, servants' wages 50 cents a week. They are prospering.

1827 June 7,

et seq. Introductions of J.P.S. for his English trip.

* 1827 June 13.

J. P. S. at New York on way. (This series of his letters (2 on same date) would make an interesting narrative)

List of packets from New York. J.P.S.'s shorthand appears in this letter.

1827 June 15,

et seq. More letters of introduction.

* 1827 July 7-Aug.2.

J.P.S. on Ship Pacific at sea. Last letter near Liverpool, 51 days out.

* 1827 Aug.8

Anna Bentley from Ohio. Several consecutive letters as to life there. Place becomes Green Hill.

1827 Oct.15

P.E.Thomas, President of B.and O.R.R. and cousin of J.P.S. sends a R. R. report.

1827 Oct.15

J.P.S. at home at Sandy Springs, where he is postmaster. No reference found to his return from England. James Stabler makes no charges for postage to family at his Post Office. Anna Bentley writes from Ohio. Speaks of a coal bank they own and prices and commodities.

1828 Jan. 6

J.P.S. writes of a Reverend veteran, Peter Francis.

1828 Jan.20

Widow Briggs writes of need of money, debts of Isaac and local affairs. A school undertaken. by Anna Stabler.

1828 Feb.13

A rhymed prose letter, not signed. A copy, J.P.S.

1828 Feb. 9

Widow to Sarah Briggs, tells of poverty at Sandy Springs. There is suggestion of moving West later.

* 1828 Aug.12

Isaac Briggs writes from Mauch Chunk, Pa., to mother. Speaks of a trip to Philadelphia and New York. Plans to sell and deliver maps but is working for $1 a day sawing at Mauch Chunk.

1828 Sept.14

Sawing at Mauch Chunk. J.P.S. at Baltimore on some job.

1828 Oct. 17

Letter from English Stabler relatives.

1828 Feb. 10

To Isaac Briggs, Jr. as to Georgia lands from one Cobb. Says they are worth little, if anything.

NOTE: The asterisk (*) indicated letters of unusual interest.

(The most interesting material in this folder - I think - would be a collection of Anna Bentley's Ohio letters, beginning in August, 1827, showing settlers' conditions).

James P.Stabler's Southern trip begins Nov., 1828. See his letter book. Very interesting.

1828 Oct.30.

Isaac Briggs at work on Lehigh Railroad. Writes to Sarah Briggs at Sandy Springs. Amusing.

1828 Nov.11.

Potatoes a substitute for bread, p. 2 of letter.

1828 Dec.28

Refers to James (P.S tabler) as on his Southern trip and met in Washington.

1828 Dec. 7

To Isaac Briggs working as before in Peru.

1828 Dec.30

Letters suggests that James P.Stabler was selling maps on his Southern trip for his health.

(See letter Aug.12,1828. Isaac Briggs had considered that).

1829

Letters to and from James P.Stabler and family and friends.

1829 Jan. 4

Isaac Briggs at work in Penn, Interesting letter. to his mother and family. Writes of Bethlehem as richest city in U. S.

* 1829 Jan.23

James P.Stabler writes from Charleston to Bringhurst. Does not enjoy canvassing for maps. Interesting. Writes of Slavery.

James P.Stabler is to marry S.B.B. (Sarah B.Briggs). He is not at work on R.R. and does not enjoy prospect in that sort of work.

The Anna Bentley letters are the most interesting in this folder, giving details of settlers' life in Ohio.

The bulk of letters are very intimate, referring to Quaker doctrines and meetings, domestic matters in the various homes, but not enlightening. The Stabler Southern letters are to be found in J.P.Stabler's letter book.

Isaac Briggs is off working on Canal in Penn. (not very interesting) until he appears on the B. and O. in 1831.

1830

1830 Jan. 16

Anna Bentley, Ohio. Further settlers' conditions.

1830 Feb 6

Same Same Further hardships.

1830 Feb. 14

Same Paper mill near Lisbon

* 1830 Mar. 2

Sarah B. Stabler writes to Pleasants Stabler. It appears that he is a son of [UNK] P. Stabler by a first marriage. No allusion to it or first wife has been observed in the Ms. Pleasants is apparently a first child of J.P.S. by his first marriage. Sarah Briggs Stabler seems to have lived with James P. in Baltimore at this time, while he was on the R. R.

1830 May 2

From Anna Bentley, Ohio.. Progressing.

1830 May 12

Sarah Stabler as to home in Baltimore.

1830 Dec.10

Anna Bentley. A poem copied. A. B. frequently writes verse.

Dec.12

Anna Bentley. Illness and hog killing, etc.

Dec.29

A school started. A deer shot.

The Anna Bentley letters continue of interest.

A good many letters from Sarah B. Stabler from Baltimore.

All the letters are intimate, referring to visits among relations, religion, much of illness in the large family connections, and not, as a whole, enlightening.

1831

1831 Mar. 12

Isaac Briggs appears to be giving remedies to sick. Prescribes No.6. Speaks of his fame having spread from the R.R.

The bulk of the letters in this are very intimate, referring to the domestic and religious interests of the large family connection. Not enlightening.

1832-1833-1834

1832 Jan.22

Anna Bentley. Ohio conditions.

1832 Mar. 3

[UNK] Briggs is Assistant Engineer at Frederick with Stabler.

1832 July 7

Anna Bentley writes of Ohio conditions. Prospering. Son growing to be a help.

1832 Aug. [UNK]

J.P.Stabler writes at length as to cholera.

1832 Oct.21

Anna Bentley. Ohio conditions. Mostly happy and contented.

At this point the bulk of family letters becomes small, only a few in each of the years included in the folder and none particularly interesting.

1833 Apr.9

J. P. Stabler not well the last winter. (He had left the B.and O.R.R.Dec.31, 1832) Also speaks of watch repairing by W. H. Briggs. There is a small book with no name in it in the collection, which is probably his.

1833 Oct.19

Anna Bentley. Ohio conditions.

1834 Jan. 5

Same Same

Feb.24

Same Same

Dec. 4

Ohio letter telling of a canal and great changes. Rise in land values.

The bulk of the letters in the folder are not enlightening,- visits, domestic duties, illness, religion, etc.

1835

James P. Stabler and his wife are at Elkton, Md. for a while.

1835 Apr. 5

Anna Bentley. Ohio conditions.

1835 May 9

Same Same

1835 Aug. 30

Grenville Bentley. Ohio conditions. He is son of Anna.

1835 Oct. 15

Rose Hill appears to be name of Stabler's place at Elkton. (See Nov.15, 1835)

1835 Dec. 21

J. P. S. writes he has nothing to do but write. Speaks of the Delaware and Maryland R.R. as being with it.

James P. Stabler suggests his buying the interests of widow Hannah Briggs and heirs in Sandy Springs - Sharon place. Has moved there.

(He got through with R.R.Oct.31,1837)

Dec. 24

Speaks of difficulties of R.R. engines and covered bridges.

29

Isaac Briggs in Philadelphia.

30

J.P.S. has bought the Sharon and Habron places, 105 acres and 128 acres. Terms of sale are unique. Getting affairs straightened out with Widow Briggs.

Dec. 31

Anna Bentley as to Ohio affairs.

Constant references to illness Thompsonism, treatments, deaths, a birth, and to family visiting. J.P. Stabler not well but going on with R.R. work. Many of the family restless and talking about going West.

1838-1839

1838 Mar. 1

Speaks of R. R. services from Wilmington to Philadelphia and of Isaac Briggs as going West to be a doctor Thompsonian.

Mar.16

Anna Bentley. Ohio matters.

Apr. 4

Same Same

Mar.25

J.P.Stabler has shop (?) and has remodelled the house at Sharon. Isaac Briggs back again. Speaks of a duel, a relative killed; a long, speculative letter.

Oct. 2

Railroad has paid a $2 dividend.

Oct.13

James P.Stabler advises Isaac Briggs at Louisville to stick there and writes of growing mulberry trees for silk worms at Sharon.

Dec.12

Description of a journey overland to St.Louis.

1839 Jan. 7

Anna Bentley. Ohio matters.

Jan.27

As to silk culture and freshets.

Mar.16

J.P.S.writes of seventeen in family at Sharon. J.P.S. not as well and does not enjoy writing as he did. Isaac Briggs there, back from Kentucky, working at mulberry trees.

June 15

Anna Bentley. Ohio matters.

June 15

J.P.S. tells of birthday of J.P.S. Jr.

June 3

J.P.S. says his silk worms were destroyed last winter.

June 17

Tells of a murder in Delaware and visit to condemned man.

June 17

(2) Silk worm eggs $20 oz. -trees, 50 cents.

The most yet in regard to mulberry trees and silk worm culture in this folder.

June 22

J.P.S.writes of mulberry trees at Sharon. Also medical talk.

June 24

Description of great fire at Port Gibson, Miss.

Oct. 15

A daughter of Anna Bentley marries a cousin in Ohio. A. B. writes.

Dec.12

J.P.S. case diagnosed as dilation of the heart.

Much on ailments, remedies and Thomosonism, deaths, visits and domestic affairs.

1840-1841

(Of less general interest than when James P.Stabler was writing. Now mostly gossip from and of the great family connection. Except for silk cultures, difficult to follow).

1840. Jan.4-16.

James P.Stabler very sick.

James P.[UNK] died on Feb.13,1840.

Many letters of condolence afterwards.

Feb.22

Caused by tuberculosis in opinion of Isaac Briggs.

Apr.12

Pleasants Stabler (son by first wife of J.P.S.) writes from Bellona Arsenal,Va.,as to silk worm raising by him there with his cousin Tom.

Apr.30) May 10) June 6)

More of same. Details of silk raising. Appears that Mrs.J.P.S. is doing it at Sharon.

June 6

Mrs.J.P.Stabler writes of being left poor - silk, and desires to know of a stocking knitting machine.

July 7

Anna Bentley, Ohio, writes a part of letter.

Sept.28

Pleasants Stabler at Bellona, doctoring. Appears to have given up silk and is hoping for a job in Richmond.

* Oct. 7

Refers to state bounty on silk, and other details, price of raw silk, etc.

11

Fear the Sharon place will have to be sold if friends of Mrs. Stabler do not secure it to her.

16

More in regard to J.P.Stabler's estate and debts.

* 21

Pleasants Stabler in a store; from Richmond, Harrison-Van Buren campaign on hot.

Oct.13

Question to Mrs. J.P.S. how much will secure Sharon to thee?

28

Bond family to board at Sharon to help.

Nov.21

As to debts of J.P.S. and claims on his estate.

15

As to debts of J.P.S. and assets. Deficit $506.

Dec.30

Pleasants Stabler from Richmond. Expects to go into grocery store.

1841 Jan.2

Sharon to be secured to Mrs.Stabler.

9

She writes it is done. Eggs.

Feb.8

Pleasants Stabler in Richmond. Not yet settled.

Mar.20

Mrs.Stabler still has silk worms

Apr. 4

More about silk procedure.

Many more recitals of illness, death and misfortunes in the large family connection. A number of new and unknown letter writers appear. Their letters are generally on unknown subjects.

1841 Aug. 8

Isaac Briggs at Sharon, prescribing.

28

Mrs. Stabler to make sewing silk and go on a while longer.

Sept.26

Mrs.Stabler writes of doing it. Slow process.

Oct. 12

Dr.Briggs - Isaac Briggs. Silk and medical matters.

16

From Marshall relatives at Manchester, England.

16

Pleasants Stabler left Richmond for Ellicott's Mills.

Dec.26

Objections to living in the Southern States by Deborah Bringhurst.

1842

1842 Jan. 1

To Dr. Isaac Briggs, St. Mary's, Mercer Co., Ohio. (Moved again)

Jan.29

Refers to Dr. Isaac Briggs' past letters (missing) about his journey to Ohio and his occupation. As to milk sickness from arsenic in soil.

Mar.20

Efforts in behalf of Indians. (See Apr.4,1842,also)

27

Speaks of seeing Charles Dickens.

Apr. 3

Suggests Dr. I.Briggs settling at Green Hill or Salem,Ohio.

May 5

Mrs. J.P.Stabler says success of this crop of silk will determine if she will keep on. Not any profit so far.

July 23

Pleasants Stabler at Richmond. Tells of a riding trip to Natural Bridge.

Aug. 8

Dr. Isaac Briggs at Sharon out of a job.

Nov. 16

List of heirs of Isaac Briggs, releasing to his widow.

Dec. 3

Pleasants Stabler to join a Farmers' Register in Petersburg.

Much about illness and domestic affairs and visits of the large family connection. Dr. Isaac Briggs is the interesting figure. Widow Stabler continues her silk industry. Not much of special interest.

1843

Many letters to Dr.Isaac Briggs from his sister at Sharon.

Jan. 1

Mrs. J.P.Stabler speaks of past destitution at Sharon.

Mar. 18

Dr. Isaac Briggs has started on a trip in search of occupation in the South. (See his collection of letters beginning Mar.26,1843 in file under his name)

May 7

Dr. Isaac Briggs needs $100 in Georgia.

Sept.14

Pleasants Stabler studying medicine in Richmond.

Oct. 15

Dr.Isaac Briggs practising Thompsonism in Georgia. The silk industry at Sharon has been given up.

Oct. 20

Thompsonism called The Botanic System.

Nov.11

Pleasant Stabler at Sharon. Going to New Orleans for health, hoping to [UNK] enough for his medical course.

Dec.16

Speaks of the Grippe prevalent.

Dec.16

Pleasants Stabler uneuccessful for work at New Orleans.

Much of illness, misfortune, death, religious exhortation, visits, in the large family connection. Dr.Isaac Briggs is the most interesting figure and his letters are in a separate file, 1843-1847, as he is in Georgia. The mass of relationship is confusing, as it has been right along.

Dr. Isaac Briggs starts his interest in Georgia lands his father had acquired prior to 1793 (See Isaac Briggs Ms. and, for this period,1843- see I.Briggs,Jr.file)

1844-1845

A great many letters to Isaac Briggs from Mrs.Stabler and his sister Lizzie at Sharon,giving family and local news and gossip; also to and from other members of the family and friends. Some letters about Isaac Briggs' Georgia land claims.

1844 Jan. 5.

Pleasants Stabler at New Orleans, about to go to Tennessee on business. Does not like New Orleans.

Jan.20

As to Isaac Briggs' Georgia land and litigation concerning it. Tells of P. Stabler's doings.

Anna Bentley on Ohio affairs. Speaks power of writing verse coming to her.

Nov. 25

A letter on shipboard, unknown writer, unknown address.

[Many numbered letters to Dr.Isaac Briggs from members of family, No.49 on Jan.14,1845. Many are missing]

1845 Jan. 14

Pleasants Stabler at Sandy Springs. An unusual letter.

* Feb. 10

To Dr.Isaac Briggs, in verse, as to doctrine.

Mar. 19

Pleasants Stabler in Transportation office in Baltimore.

Apr. 25

Dr. I.Briggs returned to Athens, Ga.

May 5

As to litigation over Georgia land. Not promising.

* Aug. 10

Speculations on growth of U. S. A.

Dec. 2) Dec.22)

Letters from Dr. Isaac Briggs at Athens which are illegible to R.D.Ware.

[Nothing of particular interest in this folder]

More of illness, misfortune, poverty in the large family connection. Pleasants Stabler wandering about. Sickness very prevalent in those days, so it was natural that country dwellers should be ready to adopt any medical doctrine of natural-botanic remedies easily procured. Lizzie urging Dr.Isaac Briggs to return from Georgia to Sandy Springs.

Dr. Isaac Briggs in Baltimore. Lizzie writes to him of Anti-Slavery, speaks in approval, and of intended summer boarders.

Aug.11

Dr. Isaac Briggs at Sandy Springs. A Georgia writer tells of land claims. Some to be settled. Dr.Isaac Briggs not to return to Georgia.

* Aug.17

Another Georgia man wants him to return to do daguerreotypes. Seems to have given up doctoring on the Thompsonism theory. Letters interesting. Kass. Kanada,Kalifornia and Kuba, political slogan; concerning Mesmerism.

Illness still much dwelt on. The older generation dying off, new births coming on. The family connection so large that it is very obscure.

Dr Isaac Briggs is left (by conjecture) at Sandy Springs, through with Thompsonism and interested in Daguerreotyping and Mesmerism.

Pleasants Stabler last [UNK] of Aug.6, 1847 sick, with Baltimore and Ohio R.R. in Baltimore.

1849-1854

A number of letters to Isaac Briggs from Georgia friends. A young girl mash correspondence between Francis (Frank) Stabler and Maggie Brooke - cousins.

1850 Feb. 2.

Anna Bentley from Ohio to Sharon family.

* July 3

Dr. Isaac Briggs travelling, poor, and taking pictures in Virginia, has a tent, and everything in bad shape.

1851 Jan.23

Anna Bentley to her mother at Sharon.

May 15

Dr. Isaac Briggs in North Carolina.

Nov. 2

Dr. Isaac Briggs in Concord, N.C.,sick.

Dec.26

The widow Hannah Briggs dead.

1852 Jan.11

Anna Bentley writes of mother's death.

June 13

Dr. I.Briggs still travelling in No.Carolina,taking pictures.

July 10

Dr. I.Briggs unsuccessful. As to electric battery. Out of chemicals and delayed.

Nov. 13

Dr. I.Briggs in So.Carolina.

Dec. 9

Dr. I.Briggs urged to give up pictures by niece Lizzie.

1853 Nov. 28

Anna Bentley to Sharon from Ohio.

1854 Jan. 19

To Isaac Briggs at Savannah, Ga.

Feb. 18

To Isaac Briggs considering return to Engineering.

Oct. 19

Isaac Briggs in Philadelphia writes of telegraph affair. Is on some engineering job on Schuylkill River. Has also taken up Spiritualism and table tipping.

No special interest except the wanderings of Dr.Isaac Briggs.

These letters of similar nature to the early folders, much of illness, deaths, visits, family news and local gossip. As the family connection has increased it became the harder to follow it and know who's who.

1855-1859

1855 Apr.8.

Isaac Briggs at Philadelphia on engineering work.

[Frank and Maggie carry on a long, gossipy correspondence, which makes a large part of this folder. Frank - Francis Delaware Stabler, and Maggie appears to be a cousin, Maggie Brooke.]

Oct.10

A Georgia writer wearies of Abolitionists, but is in Legislature on Union ticket.

1858 May 22

Anna Bentley from Ohio, now 62 years old.

* Aug.15

Isaac Briggs in Baltimore at his ambrotype saloon not making his expenses.

1859 Nov.21

Refers to poor John Brown and underground railway.

* Dec.21

Isaac Briggs in Philadelphia writes of John Brown.

The usual illness, poverty, deaths, gossip, visiting, make up the general correspondence, except as noted above. Nothing about Pleasants Stabler in this folder.

Speaks of death of Lincoln and Peace come. A good many references to current events, and a trip to Richmond. Saw Monitors and the Alabama at Ft. Monroe. Kept on to Petersburg forts.

1866

Very few letters.

* 1867

Very few letters, and of no importance in either year. except last letter from Isaac Briggs in 1867, still on R. R. job in Phila.

Pleasants Stabler has disappeared prior to 1860. Dr. Isaac Briggs is in Phila.at a boarding house. The constant illness continues, visits, domestic and local gossip, all of small interest.

1868-1872

1868 Apr.19)

Isaac Briggs in Philadelphia at a sailors' boarding house.

* Sept 27)

I.B. in Philadelphia, ragged, patched and torn.

Dec. 6)

I.B. in Philadelphia gets some new clothes.

1867 1867 Nov.24

Letters head of E.Bringhurst and Co.,Wilmington,apothecaries, old friends of the Briggs-Stabler family.

1869 Feb. 7) Feb.12)

Isaac Briggs in Philadelphia poor, not well.

Apr.18

Isaac Briggs in Phila.writes of Spiritualism, in which he appears interested.

Apr.23

I.B.in a new and better boarding house, after several changes.

May 13

I.B.still with Baltimore and Ohio R.R. till recently, but received an office thatwill take him near Sandy Springs.

Aug. 8

Anna Bentley writes 57 years ago I was a bride of 16.

Dec. 7

Isaac Briggs at Sharon.

Dec. 7

A clipped lot of letters concerning the Moody family, old Wilmington friends.

1870 Feb.24

Anna Bentley, Ohio matters.

1871 Jan.31

Same

Feb. 1

Anna Bentley, a spirit guide tea.

Mar.19

Anna Bentley, new raspberry plant.

Sept.9

Anna Bentley, Ohio matters.

Dec.18

Anna Bentley, Ohio matters.

The same topics as in former years, but not so much of illness. The younger generation growing up, busy and active.

1873-1920

1873 Aug.24.

Isaac Briggs at Baltimore. An Inspector, night work and long hours, 6 p.m.- 7 a.m. On ships. Isaac Briggs likes his whiskey, Perhaps that was his trouble. Meets an old time cousin on a ship.

* Nov.25

Anna Bentley, Ohio, writes to sister of our brother's death.

1874 [?]

Anna Bentley, Ohio affairs.

[Very few items until 1878]

1877 Aug.8

Anna Bentley writes - Ohio - 65th anniversary of her wedding at 16.

1878 Feb.15) Apr.24)

Anna Bentley from Ohio

July 7

Anna Bentley from Ohio.

Nov.25

Wm. H. Briggs in some straights in Baltimore. (Youngest son of old Isaac)

1878Dec.11

Laura A.Cox writes from Bermuda Island to her Great Grandmother, who is probably Sarah Briggs Stabler.

1879 Jan. 2

Anna Bentley, Ohio, writes.

1880 Apr.22

Mrs. Cox from Bermuda Islands.

* 1881 Jan.30

James P.Stabler started out 18 years ago to success.

* Mar. 3

Moody group of letters of various dates prior.

Nov. 7

Anna Bentley, Ohio, writes.

Nov.20

Refers to President Garfield-Guiteau.

1882 Mar. 1

Mrs. Cox from Bermuda refers to school days at Sharon.

1884 June 25

Anna Bentley,Ohio,writes of several deaths and own fading strength.

July 16

Mrs.Cox writes from Bermuda.

*1889 Aug.13

Uncle Isaac [Briggs?] still living at Sharon.

*1910 Oct.20

Sale of Sharon and furniture and all else.

The relationship becomes so extended and indefinite that the letters in this folder are hard to identify and connect. The older generation is dying off, but no record that can be called accurate. The younger generation much scattered, some more prosperous than their ancestors. Several had Government positions in Washington. As a whole, the picture is faint and confused.

Papers (2) showing Isaac Briggs' accounts with the United States for his survey of the Mississippi Territory, 1806-1807.

Petition from Isaac Briggs to the House of Representatives, January 14, 1818.

Field books (2) relative to survey of road from Washington, D. C. to New Orleans, La., 1803-1804.

Papers (14) fragmentary and unimportant, 1804-1822.

Erie Canal

Papers (28) 1817-1823.

Letters and reports.

Isaac Briggs. Diary of his journey from Wilmington to New York, to call on Governor DeWitt Clinton, in reference to employment by the Erie Canal Commission, which resulted in his engagement as engineer at a salary of $5 per day to start, clear of board and expenses. It also gives an account of his trip to Washington, where he visited President and secretaries of the various departments of the Government relative to the Canal; his visit to the Executive Mansion at Albany and his entertainment there; and a statement of his expenses for the entire time. Very interesting. May 12-June 26, 1817.

Notebook 1807-1808. Account of the expenses of a journey by Isaac Briggs from Brookeville, Md. to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, etc., to obtain information on the subject of manufactories.

Notebook. 1814-1817. Proposals for a limited partnership; estimates of the cost of a cotton factory.

Notebook. 1813. Proposal for establishing a wool factory at Triadelphia by a partnership under the firm of Isaac Briggs and Co.

Miscellaneous

Papers (28) 1773-1823, which include: Memorial to the Senate and House of Representatives respecting slavery and kidnaping, 1793; draft of a letter to Clement Dorsey from Isaac Briggs on internal improvements, 1822; letters relative to manufactures; recommending Isaac Briggs as a commissioner to fix the boundary line between the United States and the British possessions in Canada; on the character of Governor Clinton of New York. State

To Amos Farquar, assistant superintendent of construction, from James P. Stabler.

To O.W.H.Stull, assistant superintendent of construction, from James P. Stabler and Jacob Small.

To J. Dutton Steele, Jr., assistant superintendent of construction, from Jacob Small and James P. Stabler.

To William Pollock, assistant engineer, from James P. Stabler and Jacob Small.

To John Elgar, assistant engineer, from Jacob Small and James P. Stabler.

In addition to the letters mentioned there are numerous other letters to various contractors.

Letters of recommendation (39).

From James P. Stabler (principally) recommending men who worked with him on the Baltimore and Ohio Canal.

Letter book 1831-1833. Copies of letters from James P. Stabler while Superintendent of Construction on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Letters in back of book, in reverse, from President Thomas to Mr. Stabler.

Copy of the notes of the curvatures on the 5th division of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.

Report to the President and Directors on the riot by workman on the 3rd Division, which cost the road $6,073.66 and five of six weeks loss of time; July 31, 1831.

Memoranda (47) 1830-1832.

Special Reports (3) 1830-1832.

Reports to the president from the engineer's office.

Monthly report to the president from the construction department.

Extract from James P. Stabler's report to the board of directors on John McPherson's appeal for payment of the 20% bonus retained by the company because of his non-completion of his contract for the scantling.

Reports to the superintendent of construction (31) 1831-1832.

From contractors and assistant engineers.

Annual report of the state and progress of construction by James P. Stabler.

Reports to the Chief engineer (66) 1830-1832.

From contractors, assistant engineers and superintendent of construction James P. Stabler.

Field notes on the location of the lateral road to Frederick City, by Gasper W. Wever.

Miscellaneous reports (28) 1830-1832.

From contractors relative to laying rails, and from James P. Stabler regarding work performed under contracts.

Estimate of the pecuniary damages sustained by Baltimore And Ohio Railroad in consequence of the riot on the 3d division, July 31, 1831.

Certification by James P. Stabler of the number of iron rails imported for the B. and O. R.R. per ship William Brown, June 14, 1831.

Instructions concerning putting the plates under the ends of the rails on the stone sills.

Small notebook entitled Calculations for Curves in Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.

Construction reports (12) undated.

Cost of the various operations in constructing a single track of stone railway on the 3d division of the B. and O. R.R.

Table relative to the cost of removing common earth on a level road.

Original and copy of the notes of the levels on the 3d division of the B. and O.

Reports on various contractors' [UNK] for work to be done, giving preferences with notes illustrative of reasons for the same on the various bids.

Estimates of work done (145) 1830-1832.

Estimates of work performed by contractors in laying wood and stone rails in the various divisions of the railroad; filling in with earth between sleepers; work done with teams in hauling iron and broken stone in the different sections;

Estimates of the number of sills prepared at the quarries near Ellicott's Mills.

Vouchers for work done on contract (87) 1830-1832.

Vouchers for sundry work of masonry, excavation labor and hauling. Other vouchers show wages paid for a day's labor, for a day's cartage single, and for a day's cartage double.

Final accounts for work done on contract (57) 1830-1832.

Vouchers showing final balances paid to contractors, previous amounts received and the number of the warrant authorizing the payment, details of the work under the specific contract, and amount paid for the completed job.

Labor Vouchers (2100) 1830-1832.

Vouchers made out on the company's printed forms, giving the names of the laborers on a specific piece of work, nature of work done, name of department assistants under whom the work was done, and wages per day paid skilled and unskilled workmen. Vouchers made out in long hand of payments to laborers for repairs, moving stone, grading; also for salaries of assistants, inspectors, superintendent watchman and draftsmen. Vouchers of hauling; bars of iron, timber broken stone, etc. Vouchers for miscellaneous services, such as target bearer, axe man, vane bearer, chain bearer, clerk and inspector of timber.

Estimates of funds required on account of construction, repairs, engineering, superintendents, vane bearers, axe men on the various divisions of the road.

Abstracts of expenditures (104) 1831-1832.

Abstracts of monthly expenditures for construction and engineering work; for timber and hauling.

Abstracts of monthly disbursements on account of superindentents, repairs, and assistants on the various divisions

Abstracts of quarterly disbursements on account of materials, construction, sundry purposes and contingencies.

Pass book on the Mechanics Bank of Baltimore, 1830-1832.

In account with James P. Stabler, showing amounts drawn to various assistants on the railroad.

Inspection of Timber (60) 1831.

Weekly returns of timber.

Inventories of stock on hand.

Abstracts of quantities to be delivered by certain dates.

Abstracts for contracts concluded for five months.

Travelling expenses (55) 1832.

Monthly expense accounts of assistants for travelling on the road on business for the company.

Freight bills (30) 1830-1832.

Covering shipment of bar iron from Liverpool.

Notes and drawings (22)

Copies of notes of location.

Drawings of the depot at Frederick, and of culverts.

List of Assistants (20) 1831-1832.

List of assistants employed in the engineering and construction departments of the road, nature of service and compensation per day.

Abstracts of quarterly payments made to assistant superintendents, vane bearers and axe men in the construction department.

Circulars of instruction (2) 1834-1835.

Circular No. 11: To the supervisors of repairs.

Circular No. 37: to the supervisors and conductors.

Both signed by William Woodside, Superintendent of Transportation.

Bids for contracts (72) 1830-1835

Abstracts of contractors (50) 1830-1832 and 1835.

Drafts of [UNK] (3)

Rough draft of contract for filling, and two drafts for laying the single track.

Agreements (42) 1830-1832

Memoranda of agreements between James P. Stabler and Jonathan Knight, on behalf of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and various individuals and firms, relating to work to be done and material to be furnished.

To James Canby, president, from James P. Stabler, Lewis Brantz and A. G. Ralston.

Memorandum of agrrement between the Wilmington and Susquehanna Railroad and James P. Stabler, whereby Stabler agrees to [UNK] the construction of the Wilmington and Susquehanna Railroad, and the Maryland and Delaware Railroad.

Miscellaneous papers (11).

Bills (160) 1835-1836.

For masonry and timber, excavating and hauling, quarrying, laying rails, and services as superintendent, axe men and rod men.

Notes by Wm. H. Farquar and Isaac Briggs on the line of this railway from Stony Creek to the Susquehanna, 1836-1837.

Letter book 1836-1837.

Letters by James P. Stabler, Chief Engineer of the Wilmington and Susquehanna Railroad, to James Canby, President, George F. De La Roche, B. H. Latrobe, W. H. Farquar, and various contractors and other relating to the construction of the railroad, up to October 31, 1837, when Mr. Stabler received official notice that his services would be dispensed with on the 31st instant. The remainder of the letters are written from Sandy Springs, Maryland, where he became engaged in silk culture. He explains that by the term silk culture is meant the planting of mulberry orchards to feed the silk worms, to reel the silk from the the cocoons, and perhaps to spin some and to weave some, The great object, however, is to make the raw silk for exportation to France, England and elsewhere. He refers frequently to his declining health.

Note book.

A few rough drawings and pencilled notes; and pen and ink shorthand notes, by James P. Stabler, Wilmington, undated.

Delaware and Maryland Railroad.

Table, showing rubble masonry and timber work executed, remaining to be done, and probable quantity of materials required on the Delaware and Maryland Railroad, December 31, 1835.

Engineering notes and drawings of culverts and bridges of the Delaware and Maryland R.R. Undated.

Printed Material

Pamphlets

Union Bank of Georgetown - Articles of Incorporation, Sept. 16, 1809.

24p.

Report of the Commissioners appointed to examine into the practicability of a canal from Baltimore to the Potomac, together with engineer's report. Baltimore, Fielding Lucas, June 1823.

69 p.

Reprint from the Baltimore American of Dec. 26, 1831, in regard to the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company

4 p.

Firstannual report of the President and directors to the stockholders of the Winchester and Potomac Railroad Company on the fourth day of August, 1832. Imprint date 1832.

48 p.

Annual report of the board of directors of the South Carolina Canal and Railroad Comapany to the stockholders. May 6, 1833.

Information and directions for laying a single track of wood railway on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. No date.

8p.

Eleventh annual report of the President and directors of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company. 1837.

29 p.

Broadsides

Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Notice. March 19, 1832.

Exhibits (2) of the cost of construction on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Oct. 1, 1830.